Margaret Sullivan
Prosecutor Village of Ridgewood
131 N Maple Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Re: Commons at Ridgewood
Summons: SC 015063
Violation: Chapter 190-94d
Dear Ms. Sullivan:
The residents of Ridgewood desperately seek your assistance. The destruction of approximately 250+ trees left residents and their homes exposed to Route 17 and hazardous elements.
In 1988 the Ridgewood Board of Adjustment approved a site plan for the development of a condominium community located at Carriage Lane in Ridgewood, NJ. This approval included a landscape plan with BUFFER REQUIREMENTS. It is a violation of State and Village Code to remove this mandated buffer. (Village of Ridgewood Land Use and Development Code 190-94D and N.J.S.A 40:S5D-2C).
In utter disregard of the laws of this state, and its municipal land use approvals, the owner intentionally and unilaterally truncated the required buffer.
As such, residents and its adjoining neighbors have suffered and continue to suffer severe loss. This development is located next to a major highway, Route 17. Directly behind the development are four, large scale, commercial operations. The buffer removal (over 250 trees) stripped residents of their right to quiet enjoyment, adequate air, and open space. Their safety, health and environment are compromised. Residents are exposed to propane/diesel fumes, wood dust, daily tremors and pounding, which have resulted in visible damage to properties and foundations. Also, the lack of buffer/barrier and increased noise level (from highway and neighboring commercial operation) aided burglars and there have been multiple break-ins. Residents even lost the right to simple things like sitting on outdoor decks, patios and open windows.
The unilateral destruction of the buffer was unlawful. Please order the responsible party to fully restore the buffer as required and outlined in the approved site plan.
Respectfully,
The undersigned residents of Ridgewood
CC: Village Manager
Mayor of Ridgewood
